Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Imprelis Herbicide Endangers Wisconsin Pines

Plant herbicides are supposed to be effective at killing unwanted plant growth. But a relatively new herbicide produced and sold by DuPont is causing problems across the country for also killing mature conifer trees. That herbicide is Imprelis and it is believed to be responsible for the death of mature tree species such as Norway spruces and white pines. As a result, it is causing major problems for property owners, landscapers, golf courses, parks and university campuses to name just a few.

According to information provided by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Imprelis uses a new subclass of herbicide chemistry that interferes with the natural growth hormones present in plants. This means that damage from Imprelis takes on a distinctive form, characterized by the bending and twisting of stems and leaves.

Unfortunately, though, Imprelis performs a little too well at killing plants as there is a growing number of reports that mature plants are dying as a result of exposure to Imprelis. The trees most affected to date are Norway spruce and white pines. When affected, the trees begin to display that characteristic Imprelis mark: the twisting and curling of young tissue. For spruce trees, the browning of individual needles or the yellowing of the base of the needles and new growth are other markers of Imprelis’s ill effects.

As a result of its analysis of the situation, the UW-Madison Turfgrass Diagnositic Lab warns to stop using Imprelis on properties with or near Norway spruces and white pines. DuPont itself has in fact stopped selling Imprelis and has set up a claims process for individuals and businesses harmed by using the herbicide. Aside from the claims process, though, a number of lawsuits have been initiated against DuPont.

If you feel that you have been harmed by using Imprelis, then it is important to thoroughly document your potential legal claim. This means taking photograph evidence of the trees that you believe were harmed, collecting soil samples, and keeping track of any records that show your purchase or use of Imprelis. The law firm of Jacquart & Lowe may accept qualified Imprelis claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning that the claimant only pays attorneys fees if they actually recover.

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